About the Book: Juliet Young always writes letters to her mother, a world-traveling photojournalist. Even after her mother’s death, she leaves letters at her grave. It’s the only way Juliet can cope.
Declan Murphy isn’t the sort of guy you want to cross. In the midst of his court-ordered community service at the local cemetery, he’s trying to escape the demons of his past.
When Declan reads a haunting letter left beside a grave, he can’t resist writing back. Soon, he’s opening up to a perfect stranger, and their connection is immediate. But neither Declan nor Juliet knows that they’re not actually strangers. When life at school interferes with their secret life of letters, sparks will fly as Juliet and Declan discover truths that might tear them apart.
Standalone
YA Contemporary
Bloomsbury USA Childrens | April 4, 2017
I can happily say I’ve enjoyed every single book Brigid Kemmerer has written. I think she’s really talented at weaving a story, but Letters to the Lost was on a level all its own. I honestly think it’s her best work yet. Her stories have always been good, better than good actually. Now her characterization is amazing. In Letters to the Lost both Declan and Juliet are haunted and tormented by the past. While Juliet’s was pain caused by a moment, it was Declan’s ongoing anguish that drove the story. Well, that and the relationship developing between Declan and Juliet.
I’m such a sucker for romances that start out in letters. There’s something about two people connecting while writing to each other that’s so romantic to me. I fell in love with both Declan and Juliet while they were falling in love with each other. The best part was how they weren’t writing love letters to each other. They were talking about life, death, and their existence. They were helping each other, supporting each other, and challenging each other to finally move forward. There’s a depth to it other books like this don’t often hit. I loved it.
In addition there was this entire story about Declan’s and Juliet’s families. I really love when the characters have more going on than just a romance, and I particularly love family stories. It’s actually really hard to review, because I don’t want to give anything away. Just, take my word for it, reading about Juliet, Declan, and their families was the second biggest contributor to my five star rating.
I did have one minor complaint, and it was how the story ended. It was great and romantic and all, but it wasn’t enough. While reading my only thought was how I hoped the story wouldn’t end abruptly, and that I’d feel like I really had some closure between Declan and Juliet. I did, kinda. There was closure. It had an ending that felt like an ending. I just wanted more. I’m not sure what of. Maybe time? I don’t know, just something.
Anyway, it was only enough to bring it down a half star. This is still a 4.5 star read. Ms Kemmerer keeps getting better, and if this is any reflection I really can’t wait to read her next book. I hear it’s about Rev. YES!!
Birdie Bookworm 
So glad to see you enjoyed this one, too. There was something so special about Juliet and Declan’s story.
Great review.
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Thank you! There really was. I think there’s was something extra special about Declan. I’m excited for Rev’s story, but partially I’m also excited for more glimpses into Declan and Juliet together.
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I’m happy to find you enjoyed this one. Great review!
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Thank you! It really was so good. I love this author.
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[…] Birdie Bookworm […]
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[…] I’ve read everything there is to read by Brigid Kemmerer, and they were all good. Letters to the Lost was the very best one. I loved this entire story and all the characters. I think that the ending could have been more complete, but I’m hoping that we’re going to get more from everyone in the next book. It’s about Rev! I’m so eager for that! (My Review) […]
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[…] to each other. I think, for me, that was the magic of Simon and Blue. It was made me love Declan and Juliet. There was a thread of that same magic between Eliza and Wallace too. There’s something […]
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